Felice Mazzù: ‘Confirming the positive moments from the first match’

At the pre-match press conference, coach Felice Mazzù said: “We can expect a completely different match in Lokeren to the one against Jong Genk, where we faced young talents. This time, we have to prove ourselves away from home against an experienced squad and try to pick up points. To do that, we need to build on the good spells from the start of the first half and from the second half of our match against Jong Genk.”

“One or more changes in the team”

Felice Mazzù gave no details regarding the team line-up, but did announce “one or more changes”. The coach added: “I have to manage the team for the long term. That’s why a player is allowed to have a bad half or a less-than-stellar match now and then, provided he improves again afterwards. It’s important that all players feel involved throughout the season. My priority is the team, not the individual player, because in the long run we need everyone. But of course, I saw that we showed more energy in the second half last Saturday and played with more attacking intent. All of that needs to be taken into account and weighed up.”

‘Give everything to win the match’

Due to the odd number of clubs in the Challenger Pro League, KAS Eupen has a weekend bye just one week after their match in Lokeren. ‘That makes it all the more important to go into this short break on good feeling. That’s why we must do everything we can to win our second match – or at least not lose it,’ Felice Mazzù told journalists.

KSC Lokeren, a strong opponent

The coach spoke with great respect about Friday evening’s opponents: “We’ve analysed our opponents’ match in Seraing, where Lokeren won 2–0. We saw a very good team that plays fast, particularly in attack, is very well-balanced, and caused Seraing problems for 60 minutes.”

Igor Plastun: “We must prove ourselves on the pitch”

On his 36th birthday, defender Igor Plastun attended the press conference ahead of the match in Lokeren. Manager Felice Mazzù described him as one of the team’s leaders: “Igor brings maturity, experience and character. He is important to the squad; whether he plays or not, he remains a leader.” Igor Plastun told the journalists: “We’ve had a good preparation and are ready to have a good season. But we don’t need to announce that at a press conference or in the dressing room; we need to prove it on the pitch with passion, determination and modesty in order to pick up points. If we all give 100 per cent, we can win every match.”